The Darien Fire Department has earned a Insurance Services Office (ISO) Public Protection Classification (PPC) of 5. It has a long and distinguished record of voluntary service to the Citizens of Darien, and its firefighters are highly-respected within the community.

Originally, this was the premiere branch of the McIntosh County Volunteer Fire Department. In 2006, it responded to 31 structural fires; five of which were in Darien and 26 in McIntosh County. In April 2007, it broke away to become the Darien Volunteer Fire Department. With the hiring of Darien Fire Chief David Gardner on January 1, 2008 as Darien’s first full-time firefighter, it was re-designated as the Darien Fire Department. Although it is a separate Fire Department, it continues to reinforce firefighters in McIntosh and Glynn Counties during emergencies. The department is a leader in developing and hosting regional training for first-responders; as well as planning infrastructure enhancements, establishing new emergency communications systems, and creating new procedures to protect the Citizens of Darien.

In May 2007, the City annexed 20 square miles of wetlands which are traversed by Interstate 95 and US Highway 17; and the department was faced with responding to Class B and Class C fires (fuel and electrical) which are normally associated with vehicle accidents. The City acquired a new foam-pumper truck to perform this mission; the only one in McIntosh County. This also enhanced fire suppression capabilities to support vessels along the Darien River waterfront and at the Champney River boat launch. A ladder truck was added to the department’s capabilities and certified to respond to structural fires in multi-story buildings.

On August 17, 2007, the department received a U.S. Congressional Certificate of Commendation from U.S. Congressman Jack Kingston in recognition of its contributions to public safety during the worse fire season in Georgia in 50 years.

In October of 2007, the new department underwent the first ISO inspection conducted in McIntosh County in 27 years. As a result, the City’s PPC was lowered from 8 to 6. The department concentrated on correcting the deficiencies in the ISO report, and then requested a re-evaluation; which resulted in the PPC being lowered from 6 to 5 effective on June 1, 2008.

Volunteer opportunities are available with the Darien Fire Department; including high-quality training, professional certifications, community service and many other amenities.

Contact Darien Fire Chief Brian Feeney at (912) 222-3358 for more information. The department also maintains a website at www.darienfirerescue.com.